UFCThe Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is a U.S.-based mixed martial arts organization, recognized as the largest MMA promotion in the world. The UFC is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada and is owned and operated by Zuffa, LLC. This promotion is responsible for solidifying the sport's postion in the history-books.
UFC is currently undergoing a remarkable surge in popularity, along with greater mainstream media coverage. UFC programming can now be seen on FOX, FX, and FUEL TV in the United States, as well as in 35 other countries worldwide.

Not long time ago I was having this conversation with Ari about UFC being political or not and I said politics is all around us. Regarding Fitch release, it smells politics all over as well. It doesn't matter he won't be champ. He is a solid gatekeeper and although I hate his style, I have to agree he is powerful in his game and I am sad to see he is leaving.
You know that fella in your company you know is a plain incompetent but got a management position ahead of you? Well, that works both ways. If we all agree that technically, Fitch should not be cut, most probably outstanding reasons(political, finnancial) got him cut. I vote in an old( or recent, who knows) disagreement with the big boss and I agree with LyotoLegion here - inspite being Brazilian, I can't understand Tibau is waving goodby to Fitch if politcs wouldn't be envolved somehow.

If there were ever a time for a new org to pop up and be competitive now is it. Bellator has the wrong idea - basically copying the UFC.

I'd scoop up UFC castaways and wait for Bellator to fold. If a org tried to become the anti-UFC they may have limited success. Go after only 155 lb+ fighters, go anti kid/family/feminist friendly and promote it as such. Don't hide swear words, middle fingers, and post-fight brawls, but encourage them. This is cagefighting FFS.

Put it on HBO or something. With proper promotion and financial backing it might work. I'd watch it.

Full list:
Terry Etim, Lightweight, UFC Record 6-5, 1 FOTN, 3 SOTN. On a 2 loss streak.
Jon Fitch, Welterweight, UFC Record 14-3-1, 2 FOTN. On a 1 loss streak. 2 fights removed from winning a FOTN bonus. Had 8-win and 5-win streaks in the UFC. Once fought for the WW title. Has been in the main event for 2 cards.
Ulysses Gomez, Flyweight, UFC Record 0-2. Winless in the UFC.
Josh Grispi, Featherweight, UFC Record 0-4. Winless in the UFC.
Jay Hieron, Welterweight, UFC Record 0-2 (0-4 including his previous stints). Winless in the UFC.
C.J. Keith, Lightweight, UFC Record 0-2. Winless in the UFC.
Vladimir Matyushenko, Light Heavyweight ,UFC Record 4-3 (7-5 including his previous stint in the UFC). On a 2 loss streak. Has been in the main event for 1 card.
Che Mills, Welterweight, UFC Record 2-2, 1 KOTN. On a 1 loss streak.
Wagner Prado, Light Heavyweight, UFC Record 0-2-1. Winless in the UFC.
Mike Russow, Heavyweight, UFC Record 4-2, 1 KOTN. On a 2 loss streak. Won 4 straight before that.
Jorge Santiago, Welterweight, UFC Record 0-1 (1-5 including his previous stints). On a 1 loss streak. Took his last fight on about three weeks' notice.
Paul Sass, Lightweight, UFC Record 3-2, 2 SOTN. On a 2 loss streak. 3 fights removed from winning a SOTN bonus
Mike Stumpf, Welterweight, UFC Record 0-2. Winless in the UFC.
Motonobu Tezuka, Bantamweight, UFC Record 0-2. Winless in the UFC.
Simeon Thoresen, Welterweight, UFC Record 1-3. On a 2 loss streak.
Jacob Volkmann, Lightweight, UFC Record 6-4. On a 1 loss streak. At one point had a 5-win streak.
Notes:
In total, 16 fighters cut.
Of the 16, 8 were from the WW and LW divisions.
8 fighters did not have a single win during their run in the UFC (this does not include previous stints).
4 fighters (Fitch, Mills, Santiago, and Volkmann) were cut after 1 loss. Of these 4 fighters, 3 lost in decisions.
Probably the most important fact: every single fighter here fought and lost on a 2013 card. This is happening while many Strikeforce fighters are being signed and moved into the UFC.

I imagine they wanted Fitch to take a pay cut as he is no longer close to being a concensus #2. He likely declined it and they released him allowing him to seek other offers. I think he will likely end up back in the UFC in time though unless Bellator really wants him as a marquee fighter.

I will cry if Bellator picks him up though cause I can't imagine how bad tournament Fitch would be when he needs to conserve his body.

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"If you get hit and it hurts hit him back you not knocked out yet."-Joe Doerksen

I imagine they wanted Fitch to take a pay cut as he is no longer close to being a concensus #2. He likely declined it and they released him allowing him to seek other offers. I think he will likely end up back in the UFC in time though unless Bellator really wants him as a marquee fighter.

I will cry if Bellator picks him up though cause I can't imagine how bad tournament Fitch would be when he needs to conserve his body.

He wasn't really making that much though. 66k is good money for a guy like Fitch.